Paint Coverage Calculator
Calculate exactly how many gallons or liters of paint you need.
Enter wall area, coverage rate, and number of coats for accurate estimates.
Paint Needed
Paint coverage is calculated by dividing total paintable area by the coverage rate per container, then multiplying by the number of coats.
Imperial formula:
Gallons = (Area (sq ft) x Number of Coats) / Coverage Rate (sq ft per gallon)
Metric formula:
Liters = (Area (m²) x Number of Coats) / Coverage Rate (m² per liter)
Typical coverage rates:
- Flat/Matte paint: 350–400 sq ft/gal (8.6–9.8 m²/L)
- Eggshell/Satin: 350–400 sq ft/gal (8.6–9.8 m²/L)
- Semi-gloss: 350–400 sq ft/gal (8.6–9.8 m²/L)
- Primer: 200–300 sq ft/gal (4.9–7.4 m²/L)
- Stain (wood): 150–200 sq ft/gal (3.7–4.9 m²/L)
Number of coats recommended:
- Light color over light: 1–2 coats
- Dark color over light: 2–3 coats
- Light color over dark: 2–3 coats (with primer)
- New drywall: 1 coat primer + 2 coats paint
Tip: Subtract about 20 sq ft (1.9 m²) per standard window and 21 sq ft (2 m²) per door from your total area.